Become a mental health first aider
Most of us could help someone having a heart attack - we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 1-1-1. But few of us would know how to respond to a friend or colleague having a panic attack or showing signs of alcoholism or depression.
Unfortunately, there is widespread naivety and stigma surrounding mental health. This prevents people from providing appropriate support to someone, simply because they do not know how.
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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training changes this: by demystifying mental illness; by helping us understand that mental illnesses are real, common, and treatable; and by showing people how to help.
What is MHFA?
MHFA is a mental health literacy programme*
It teaches you to become a Mental Health First Aider
It equips you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support a friend, family member or co-worker experiencing a mental health challenge or a crisis
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*It is not a therapy or a support group
Innovative and World Leading
Global programme available in over 25 countries
Lived Experience
Developed by expert consensus (of professionals and those with lived experience)
Evidence-based
Supported and informed by research
Internationally Acclaimed
Recognised by a number of international awards
Adapted to the NZ context
Te Pou is the NZ Licence holder and have adapted it to the NZ context
Why MHFA?
Improved Knowledge
Of mental health challenges, their symptoms, appropriate treatments, and first-aid strategies
Confidence
In providing mental health first-aid
De-stigmatising
Attitudes towards mental health challenges and crises
Increased support
In terms of amount, quality and timeliness
What does a workshop involve?
Training to certify Mental Health First Aiders involves a 14-hour face-to-face workshop
This is typically spread over two consecutive days but can be split into three-hour sessions and/or spread over multiple days/weeks if required
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Workshops are highly interactive, and involve a mix of:
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presentations
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group discussions
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exercises and activities
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lived-experience videos
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scenario videos
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case studies
… to provide participants with concrete tools and answers to key questions like “What do I do?” and “Where can someone find help?”
What will I learn?
During a Mental Health First Aid workshop you will learn:
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What is meant by mental health and well-being
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The factors that can affect well-being
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How to recognise the common risk factors and warning signs (symptoms) of specific of mental health challenges or crises
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How to step in, reassure and support a person in distress or experiencing a mental health challenge
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How to connect the person with professional help and/or other supports
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How to protect yourself
You will be taught the five-step action plan, ALGEE, to safely and responsibly identify and help someone experiencing mental illness or substance use disorder.
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L
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Approach, assess and assist any crisis
Listen nonjudgmentally
Give support and information
Encourage professional help
Encourage other supports
Workshop Content
The mental health challenges covered in the workshop include:
Depression
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Anxiety
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Psychosis
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Problematic substance use
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Gambling Harm
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Eating Disorders
The mental health crises covered include:
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
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Non-suicidal self-injury
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Panic Attacks
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Traumatic events
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Severe effects from alcohol or other substance use
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Aggressive behaviours
What will I come away with?
Apart from the confidence and knowledge to potentially save lives, you will come away with:
The knowledge to potentially save a life
A Certificate of Attendance; or
Eligibility to complete an online assessment to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider
Accreditation is valid for three years (at which point a refresher course will be required)
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You will also recieve a MHFA manual providing:
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In-depth information on the topics covered
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Practical resources, including:
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an updated list of community healthcare providers, support groups, resources and
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online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support.
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A quick reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan.
What is the cost?
Given the sensitivity and depth of the content involved in the topics covered:
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Each workshop is facilitated by two instructors
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It is also preferable to keep the group size between 10 and 20 participants
Workshops are from $450 per person*
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Includes Manual and Resources
* Depending on any venue, catering, travelling and/or accommodation costs.
Testimonials
"I highly recommend this course, I found it invaluable!"
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"I feel confident that I now know what to do and where to go to support someone in need of MHFA. We all need these skills which we can apply in our work and personal lives."
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"I totally recommend this course. Cath is a great facilitator. I learnt so many skills to support others."
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"While we dealt with some difficult topics at times, Cath combined active participation, scenarios, small group discussions, videos, activities and exercises (even in the fresh air) to make the learning interactive and fun."
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"Outstanding course! I learnt so many valuable skills."
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"Brilliant content, and engaging and informative presentation. I highly recommend this course to all businesses and teams. This course benefits both professional and personal situations."